EcoCampus & Sustainability

As an organisation, we are absolutely committed both to reducing our impact on the environment for example by using plant-based Vegware foodservice packaging but also by fulfilling our role in educating people of all ages about the climate emergency. We are very proud of our Silver EcoCampus Certification and our staff have a high level of engagement with sustainability issues.

EcoCampus is a scheme that offers a flexible and phased approach to implementing an environmental management system for the higher and further education sector. The auditors from EcoCampus had a guided walk-around through the Carlisle College campus and assessed the processes that have been implemented regarding both the environment and how it is managed by the organisation. These included any and all green initiatives and energy saving schemes that have been established to reduce the college’s impact on the environment. The auditors were particularly impressed that Carlisle College have announced plans to go completely plastic free, which includes the introduction of canned water – a much more recyclable and environmentally friendly option. The proposal of an annual beach clean-up was also warmly received as it will offset their plastic footprint.

Carlisle College goes green.

Here are some of the changes that have been made:

  • Reducing the number of days of deliveries, reducing the college’s carbon footprint.
  • Working with suppliers to reduce the amount of plastic that is used in packaging. One supplier now uses biodegradable bags made from plant fibre.
  • Removing sugar and sauce sachets and replacing them with larger dispensers, reducing packaging.
  • Using only Vegware products for consumable disposables, although college customers need to request the option.
  • Installing food digesters on site that digest food into an absorbable liquid, reducing the amount of food waste sent to landfills.
  • Working towards the goal of being plastic free and sustainable palm oil.

You can go greener too.

Reduce your plastic usage

A huge problem that particularly affects our oceans is our reliance on single-use plastics, therefore a few small changes to your routine can make a big difference. Say no to plastic straws, consider avoiding plastic cutlery where at all possible and if you go out at lunch time, take a plastic bag with you (and avoid the charge).

  • Use reusable cups – In the UK, 2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away every year – and only a fraction of those are recyclable. Paper cups are lined with a plastic or waxy substance that prevents the cup from dissolving and leaking, which often means the cups can’t be recycled or composted. A reusable cup could save you money and only takes a few seconds to wash.
  • Make sure you turn lights off – If you’re the last person in a class or meeting room, lunch room or kitchen, just knock the lights off until the next person needs it. Not all lights turn off automatically and you never know when the next person will need it.